Chris Packham: ‘I have a freezer full of dead animals – the children are fascinated’
Chris Packham: ‘I have a freezer full of dead animals – the children are fascinated’
Chris Packham, a 64-year-old widely recognized TV personality, is deeply involved in environmental causes aimed at safeguarding Earth’s ecosystems.
A bold exploration of green claims
His latest project, the documentary Greenwashed, delves into the credibility of contemporary eco-friendly initiatives and their potential to divert attention from the planet’s worsening state. The film scrutinizes prevalent environmental messages, from plant-based diets to renewable energy shifts and restrictions on palm oil.
“I’ve got a freezer full of dead animals. In my office shower—since I use a bedroom as my workspace—there’s a collection of skulls. If I find a carcass, I remove the skin, preserve the head, reattach the teeth, and often gift them to children. They’re utterly captivated by them.”
Packham admits to occasional mishaps when handling live wildlife, sharing some of his more memorable injuries: “My hand bears numerous scars. One was from a vulture, another from a lion’s claw. There’s also a mark where I accidentally pierced myself with a puff adder’s fang. That was a foolish move.” He recounts a cheetah incident, where he fled and ended up with scars on his back: “I’m not as quick as I once was.”
A lifelong bond with nature
Packham has been in a long-term relationship with Charlotte Corney, a wildlife charity founder, for almost two decades. Before this, he was romantically linked to nurse Jo McCubbin, and maintains a connection with her daughter Megan McCubbin. The duo has co-hosted shows on BBC since 2020, including appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox.
Transforming perspectives through film
His documentary, now accessible on YouTube, is described as “a truthful and free public resource for all.” Packham emphasizes its role in addressing the urgency of climate change: “We’re facing our species’ most critical challenge. Without accurate information, we can’t navigate out of it. Mainstream media often hides the facts, while social media and commentators spread misinformation.”
“That’s why I call it a resource. It equips people with the truth to drive meaningful action.”
The film has sparked notable reactions. Viewer @michaelringogreenberg2433 noted: “This film gave me even more arguments to share when discussing environmental issues.” Another, @Gregmaidson4342, stated: “This documentary has changed me. I believe it should be mandatory for schoolchildren to watch.”
A fighter for justice
Packham isn’t deterred by confrontations when it comes to climate discourse. When asked about his passion, he explained: “I despise injustice. When people profit from environmental harm without hesitation, I feel compelled to challenge them. That’s what fuels my drive and willingness to engage in tough debates.”
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